n 1992, following his mother's murder in a drive-by shooting, CJ returns home to Los Santos to attend her funeral. Upon arriving, he is intercepted by C.R.A.S.H., who threaten to frame him for the recent murder of another police officer (who was actually killed by them for threatening to expose their corruption), unless he co-operates with them. After leaving them, CJ reunites with Sweet, Kendl, Big Smoke, and Ryder at the funeral and agrees to stay and help the Grove Street Families in the war against their rivals, the Ballas. During this time, he also befriends Cesar Vialpando after discovering he genuinely cares for Kendl, and helps OG Loc make a name for himself in the rap industry. Shortly after the Families regain their strength, Sweet makes plans to attack the Ballas in a large fight. Before he can join them, CJ is contacted by Cesar with information on the drive-by shooting, revealing that Big Smoke and Ryder have sold out the gang and arranged the attack alongside C.R.A.S.H. and the Ballas, which was actually meant for Sweet.
